Friday, November 1, 2013

God Wants Me to be Happy--Or Not

Photo by: Sura Nualpradid

When God created people and put them on the earth, He had a special purpose for them. He wanted Adam and Eve to have a special relationship with Him and a pure fellowship with them. As we know, for a while, it was a perfect world. Then, it was spoiled by sin. But, God had already planned for man’s redemption through Jesus Christ, and His purpose for mankind continued.

I’ve heard
different versions of this statement: “God wants us to be happy.”

Does He?

The biblical
answer is yes—and no.

Let’s explore this question. I think sometimes we have
the emphasis on the wrong subject. It’s important to find balance.

Let’s start with a couple of dictionary definitions so
that we understand what we’re talking about:

Happiness:a state of well-being and contentment, a pleasurable or satisfying
experience

Joy:
a feeling of great happiness, a source or cause of great happiness

The difference between happiness and joy seems to be that
happiness is more feeling oriented,
and joy has to do with the source of
happiness.

The Lord Jesus talked about happiness in the Sermon on
the Mount. Every time He said “Blessed” He was saying “Happy.” Let’s look at
this passage:

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be
comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the
earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain
mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see
God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you
(Matthew 5:2-12).

Who are the happy people in the
Beatitudes? Well, we can make a list: the poor in spirit, those that mourn, the
meek, and so on. But, what is the common thread here? Happiness comes fromGod! He’s the One Who comforts and
gives them an eternal inheritance, mercy, and heaven. The reason these people
are happy is because of the Lord!

Here are some more verses about
happiness and joy:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel
of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of
the scornful. But his delight is in
the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).

Delight thyself also in
the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of
thine heart (Psalm 37:4).

But let the righteous be
glad; let them rejoice before
God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice(Psalm 68:3).

Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart (Isaiah 65:14a).

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10b).

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye
shall receive, that your joy may be
full (John 16:24).

Notice that our happiness is not based on transient good
feelings.It doesn’t happen because
circumstances happen to be good. It is attainable, and its foundation is joy.
Joy is deep. It is real.

Happiness based on joy in the
Lord is true happiness.

Happiness because of doing
God’s will lasts.

Happiness that comes from
rejoicing in God or in His work (creation included) is really joy.

Does God want us to be happy?
Yes.

How does God define happiness? Joy—in Him, because of Him.

It begins with salvation from sin.
Blessed is he whose transgression
is forgiven, whose sin is covered (Psalm 32:1).

The Apostle Peter, quoting
David said, Thou hast made known to me
the ways of life; thou shalt make me full
of joy with thy countenance (Acts
2:28).

The joy that comes from being
in Christ is eternal happiness. Thou
wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11).

Hi and welcome to In the Way! I explore many subjects, striving always to present them from a biblical viewpoint. Feel free to browse the tabs at the top for general categories. If you don't see what you're looking for, use the search button below. I'm a pastor's wife, mother of two, grandma, teacher, author, and blogger. I live in a quaint little village in the beautiful Basque region of northern Spain.

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Lou Ann is a young-thinking grandma with an infectious laugh. She rejoices in nature and other beautiful things--including people! She's an avid writer and practices several other artistic expressions, like singing when no one's listening, calligraphy, photography, and even "serious art." Lou Ann loves her Lord Jesus Christ, family, and her church.